Actor Awards 2026: Michael B. Jordan’s emotional acceptance speech details his mom’s sacrifices

Michael B. Jordan made a big impact at the Actors Award and won the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role in ‘Sinners.’ Jordan, who won against Timothee Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ethan Hawke, made the whole crowd emotional as he gave his acceptance speech. The 39-year-old actor gave a shout to his mom, Donna Jordan, and thanked her for supporting his dream to become an actor even when times were tough for them.

Michael B. Jordan’s shout to his mom, Donna Jordan

“Mom, thank you for driving me back and forth to New York,” Michael said while making eye contact with his mother, Donna, who held back tears in the audience. He continued, “When we didn't have enough money to go through the Holland Tunnel, when we were looking for gas money, parking spaces, when I went up there for my auditions.”

Michael B. Jordan thanks Ryan Coogler for ‘Sinners’

The 39-year-old also thanked his longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler, who received an Oscar nomination for writing and directing Sinners. “I want to thank Ryan Coogler for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do,” he continued, “and to be fearless and to create a safe space for us to find the truth… what you do with all the other actors that we had an opportunity to work with.”

Michael also mentioned his costars Wunmi Mosaku, Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, Miles Caton, and “everybody that has something to do with this movie.” “You guys lent us your talents, and you lent us your time and your vulnerability. So, thank you for allowing me to do my best work,” he said.

Michael B. Jordan wasn’t expecting this win

And while Michael admitted that he “wasn’t expecting this at all,” he showed appreciation to his fellow nominees Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, and Jesse Plemons.



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